Too many external hard drives? Here's how to choose the right one

Typical price i
110.– to 230.–

Suitable for basic storage needs, such as documents, photos, and select media files.

Ideal for individuals who require a compact and portable solution without excessive data storage demands.

Typical price i
200.– to 370.–

Offers a larger storage space for extensive media libraries and larger applications.

Great for users who need a balance between capacity and portability, often used for backing up laptops and desktops.

Typical price i
490.– to 1000.–

Provides extensive storage for professional use, including high-resolution video and large datasets.

Best for professionals and businesses needing vast storage for complex projects and extensive data management.

Typical price i
200.– to 1000.–

Features a compact, reversible connector for easy plugging in both directions.

USB-C provides faster data transfer speeds and is compatible with newer devices, making it ideal for efficient data management.

Typical price i
130.– to 380.–

Offers a larger connector commonly found on older devices and computers.

USB-A is widely used and provides solid compatibility with a broad range of devices, ensuring reliable connections.

Typical price i
7400.– to 11 000.–

Utilizes advanced technology for ultra-high-speed data transfer and connectivity.

Thunderbolt 5 delivers superior performance, perfect for users needing to move large files quickly or connect multiple peripherals.

Typical price i
120.– to 270.–

Draws power directly from a connected device via USB, eliminating the need for additional power cords.

Ideal for portable use, allowing easy connection and operation with laptops and other USB-equipped devices.

Typical price i
120.– to 300.–

Operates entirely on the power supplied by the connected device, requiring no separate power adapter.

Enhances portability and ease of use, especially valuable for travel and on-the-go scenarios.

Typical price i
380.– to 1400.–

Requires a separate power source, typically through an AC adapter, to function.

Provides stable power supply, which is useful for stationary setups where consistent performance is needed.

Typical price i
230.– to 650.–

Provides secure encryption of data directly on the hard drive, protecting sensitive information.

Ideal for safeguarding personal and business data, ensuring privacy even if the drive is lost or stolen.

Typical price i
100.– to 250.–

Allows the external hard drive to charge other devices, functioning as a power bank.

Convenient for travelers and users on-the-go, offering backup power for smartphones and tablets.

Typical price i
1200.– to 5300.–

Enables the connection or disconnection of the hard drive without shutting down the system.

Useful for quick data transfer and easy device management, enhancing productivity and flexibility.

Typical price i
120.– to 220.–

Compact and lightweight, suitable for frequent travel and mobile use.

Ideal for users seeking portability, fitting easily into laptop bags and smaller spaces.

Typical price i
320.– to 1200.–

Larger and typically offers more storage capacity than 2.5" drives.

Best for stationary use, providing higher capacity for extensive data storage needs at home or office.

Typical price i
2800.– to 8800.–

Standard interface for connecting hard drives, ensuring compatibility with many systems.

Offers reliable performance, suitable for general use and widely supported by most devices.

Recognized for robust construction and reliable storage solutions.

Ideal for professionals needing dependable backup and data protection.

Offers unique aesthetics and innovative designs.

Preferred by creative professionals for its sleek appearance and high performance.

Specializes in high-capacity drives with fast data transfer rates.

Great for users requiring extensive storage with efficiency in data handling.

Known for affordable yet high-quality external drives.

Suitable for budget-conscious consumers seeking reliable storage.

Focuses on cost-effective storage solutions.

Perfect for everyday users needing basic functionality at a lower price.